Ashley McAllister's blog

Oregon’s school-based health centers (SBHCs) provide comprehensive, affordable health care to young people on their school grounds. SBHCs reduce barriers such as cost, transportation, and concerns surrounding confidentiality that often keep youth from seeking the health services they need. Youth engagement is a critical component of the SBHC model. In order to create a youth-friendly environment, it’s important that youth are at the decision-making table when it comes to SBHC services and delivery. In Oregon, many SBHCs engage youth by supporting a Youth Action Council or Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which typically focuses on one or more projects intended to improve SBHC services, accessibility, or marketing. YACs can provide an opportunity for youth to become active partners in their SBHC.

In our September newsletter, Zeenia Junkeer shares about the importance of disaggregated data and addressing systemic racism.

In our August newsletter, we share our SBHC school reopening guidelines, federal and state policy updates, and a funding opportunity.
 

On June 29, 2020, Oregon School-Based Health Alliance Student Health Advocates organized an online youth forum to gather feedback about current Oregon Department of Education policies and guidelines for school re-opening. 15 high school youth from across the state joined for a conversation about how to center health and relationships within health protocols, instructional time, and mental health guidelines. Here is a summary of their feedback.